Travel video guide
Things to Do in Manhattan, New York From National Geographic
This guide turns This Used to Be a Military Base? #BestoftheWorld from National Geographic into a practical travel map with 1 saved spot around Manhattan. The mapped places include an island. Use it to understand the places and trip context before saving the map in Varedelo.
What the creator captured
National Geographic was awestruck by the juxtaposition of Governors Island's deep historical layers and natural beauty against the massive backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. The creator described the experience as a beautiful, messy symphony that felt entirely distinct from the typical atmosphere of New York City.
What this map is good for
- Planning an island stop or short itinerary in Manhattan.
- Seeing where the mapped places sit together before choosing what to visit first.
- Saving 1 mapped spot into Varedelo so the list stays usable on the ground.
- Using the original video as context, then turning it into a clean place-by-place map.
Featured spots on this map
- Governors Island
Island in Governors Island, New York, NY 11231, USA, Manhattan, New York, United States
Experiences captured
- Visited Governors Island
- Observed the Manhattan skyline
- Learned about the island's colonial and military history
- Explored former Lenape fishing and foraging grounds
- Experienced nature within New York City
Planning notes for Manhattan
Manhattan is an island borough of New York City, bounded by the Hudson, East, and Harlem Rivers. Historically, the land was inhabited by the Lenape people before Dutch settlers established New Amsterdam in 1624. The English took control in 1664, renaming it New York. The borough served as the capital of the United States from 1785 to 1790.
Must-try foods nearby
- Pastrami on Rye
The quintessential Manhattan deli staple, specifically the hand-carved, spice-rubbed pastrami at Katz’s Delicatessen. - Everything Bagel with Lox and Schmear
A cornerstone of New York breakfast culture. For the gold standard, locals head to Russ & Daughters or Ess-a-Bagel for a hand-rolled. - New York-Style Thin Crust Pizza
Characterized by its large, hand-tossed thin crust that is crisp yet pliable enough to be folded in half. - Chopped Cheese
Often called the 'Philly Cheesesteak of NYC,' this sandwich originated in East Harlem bodegas. - Halal Chicken over Rice
The ultimate Manhattan street food experience. Originally popularized by The Halal Guys on 53rd and 6th, this dish features yellow basmati rice topped with spiced chicken.
When to go: The best times to visit Manhattan are from September to November and May to June, when the weather is pleasantly mild and the city’s parks are at their most scenic. While summer is hot and humid and winter can be bitterly cold.
Local tips
- Always stand to the right on escalators and walk on the right side of sidewalks to allow faster pedestrians to pass on your left.
- Step to the side of the sidewalk or subway platform before stopping to check your phone or a map to avoid blocking the flow of traffic.
- Remove your backpack and hold it at your feet when boarding a crowded subway car to create more space for fellow passengers.
- Expect to tip 18-22% at full-service restaurants, as gratuity is a standard and essential part of service worker compensation in the city.
What travelers are noticing
- The New Museum's 60,000-square-foot expansion and OMA-designed zero-waste restaurant in Nolita.
- Primark's 54,000-square-foot Manhattan flagship store opening at Herald Square.
- The 'Greater New York 2026' citywide arts survey at MoMA PS1.
Extra place context
- Governors Island
A car-free island in New York Harbor accessible by ferry, featuring 'The Hills' for panoramic skyline views, a 57-foot slide, and extensive paths for biking and hammock lounging.
Official tourism resource
The official destination marketing organization and visitor guide for the five boroughs of New York City, including Manhattan.
Planning questions
What are the best spots in Manhattan, New York from this video?
This guide maps all 1 spot featured in the video, with names, addresses, and neighborhoods, so you can plan your trip to Manhattan, New York.
Can I save these spots to use on my trip?
Yes. Open the map in Varedelo to save every spot, get directions, and revisit the guide from your phone while you travel.
Use it on your trip
Save this travel map before you go
Keep the mapped spots, creator context, food notes, and planning details together. Varedelo turns the page into a phone-friendly map you can revisit when you are choosing where to go.